Creamy Corn and Cilantro Delight Recipe: A Zesty Summer Treat

Corn and cilantro make an incredible culinary combination that dances with fresh, vibrant flavors.

Unexpected ingredients often spark magical kitchen moments that surprise your taste buds.

This delightful recipe brings together smooth, rich textures with bright herbal notes that sing.

creamy preparations invite comfort and warmth to your dining experience.

Summer’s bounty shines through each carefully balanced spoonful of deliciousness.

Bold yet subtle, this dish promises a remarkable journey for your palate.

Rich and inviting, the blend promises to become your new favorite comfort food.

Jump into this delectable adventure and let your senses explore pure deliciousness.

Why Creamy Corn and Cilantro Delight Hits the Spot

• This corn soup delivers a powerful taste punch with charred corn, chili powder, and tangy Cotija cheese that creates a complex, multilayered flavor profile.
• The smooth, velvety texture from blending and adding sour cream transforms simple corn into a luxurious, warming soup that feels like a culinary hug.
• With straightforward steps and minimal ingredients, home cooks can create a restaurant-quality dish that looks impressive but requires basic cooking skills and just one pot.
• From start to finish, this recipe takes less than 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy families wanting a delicious, nutritious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Creamy Corn and Cilantro Delight

• Corn Kernels, Corn Cobs: Sweet corn is the star of this creamy soup, providing a rich, natural sweetness and texture.
• Onion: Adds depth of flavor and aromatic base to the dish.
• Broth: Creates a smooth, liquid foundation for the soup.

• Chili Powder: Brings a warm, slightly spicy kick to the soup.
• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall flavor.
• Garlic: Provides an intense, aromatic flavor to the corn mixture.

• Sour Cream, Cotija Cheese: Adds creaminess and tangy, salty notes to the soup.
• Lime Juice, Lime Zest: Brightens the dish with a fresh, citrusy element.
• Cilantro: Offers a fresh, herbaceous flavor and garnish.

• Oil: Helps to sauté vegetables and prevent sticking.

Cooking Method for Corn and Cilantro Delight

Step 1: Sizzle Corn and Onions

• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat
• Add corn kernels
• Ingredients for seasoning
• Chopped onion
• Chili powder
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper

Cook while stirring frequently until onions soften and corn gets light golden edges, approximately 8-10 minutes.

Step 2: Enhance with Garlic

Toss minced garlic into the pot and cook until its aroma fills the kitchen, about 1 minute. Scoop out 1-1/2 cups of the corn mixture and set aside for later.

Step 3: Build Flavor Foundation

Pour chicken or vegetable broth into the pot. Add corn cobs to intensify flavor. Scrape any delicious brown bits from the bottom. Bring liquid to a gentle boil, then lower heat and simmer for 20 minutes.

Step 4: Create Creamy Texture

• Sour cream
• Cotija cheese

Stir until smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Blend to Silky Perfection

Transfer soup to blender or food processor. Puree until completely smooth, working in batches if needed.

Step 6: Final Flavor Touches

• Reserved corn mixture
• Fresh lime juice
• Chopped cilantro

Taste and adjust seasonings with salt, pepper, and chili powder.

Step 7: Serve with Flair

• Remaining corn mixture
• Lime zest
• Extra cilantro
• Additional Cotija cheese

Enjoy your vibrant, creamy corn celebration!

Tips to Nail the Creamy Texture

• Char Corn Carefully: Ensure corn gets light char marks by stirring frequently and using high enough heat to develop delicious caramelized flavor without burning.
• Reserve Corn Strategically: Setting aside some corn mixture before pureeing adds incredible texture and freshness when sprinkled on top as a final garnish.
• Blend in Batches: When pureeing hot soup, fill blender only halfway and cover lid with a towel to prevent steam pressure from causing potential splatters.
• Adjust Consistency Smartly: If soup becomes too thick after blending, slowly add extra broth to reach desired creamy texture before final seasoning.
• Taste and Tweak: Always sample soup before serving and adjust salt, pepper, and chili powder to create perfect balanced flavor profile that suits your preference.

How to Keep Corn and Cilantro Delight Fresh

• Refrigeration: Transfer leftover soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheating: Warm gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water to restore creamy consistency if needed. Avoid boiling to prevent separation of dairy components.
• Freezing: Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat slowly, stirring frequently to maintain smooth texture.

What to Pair with Creamy Corn and Cilantro Delight

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Enhance the creamy corn soup's richness with a zesty sauvignon blanc or an unoaked chardonnay, cutting through the dish's velvety texture and complementing its bright cilantro notes.
• Serve Alongside Grilled Protein: Match the soup with chili-rubbed grilled chicken or seared shrimp to add a smoky, protein-packed dimension that balances the corn's sweetness and creamy consistency.
• Add Crunchy Cornbread Sidekick: Prepare a rustic jalapeño cornbread to provide a textural contrast and reinforce the corn theme, with its slightly spicy kick harmonizing perfectly with the soup's delicate flavors.
• Finish with Refreshing Citrus Salad: Create a light citrus and herb salad with segments of orange, grapefruit, and extra cilantro to cleanse the palate and echo the soup's bright lime undertones.

Variations for Corn and Cilantro Delight

• Spicy Southwest Splash: Add diced jalapeños and a dash of chipotle powder for a fiery kick. Replace Cotija with pepper jack cheese for extra heat.
• Coconut Cream Fusion: Swap sour cream with coconut milk and incorporate shredded coconut. Garnish with toasted coconut flakes and fresh green onions for a tropical profile.
• Roasted Vegetable Blend: Grill corn and onions before adding to the recipe for deeper, smokier flavors. Include roasted bell peppers and zucchini to enhance the vegetable complexity.
• Protein Power Bowl: Transform the soup into a hearty meal by stirring in shredded rotisserie chicken or diced cooked shrimp. Top with crispy tortilla strips for added crunch and texture.

FAQs for Corn and Cilantro Delight

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth to make this corn soup completely vegetarian-friendly.

• How long will this soup keep in the refrigerator?

The soup can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to maintain its creamy texture.

• Can I freeze this corn soup?

Absolutely! The soup freezes well for up to 2 months. Just leave out the fresh cilantro and add it when reheating to maintain its bright flavor.

• What if I don't have Cotija cheese?

No worries! You can substitute Cotija with feta cheese or queso fresco. If you can’t find those, parmesan works as a good alternative for a similar salty, tangy flavor.

Creamy Corn And Cilantro Delight Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Corn and cilantro dance together in this magical “corn and cilantro delight” recipe, creating a symphony of fresh flavors. Rich Mexican-inspired ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a delightful experience you’ll savor with every delectable spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 6 cups fresh corn kernels (from 8–10 shucked cobs)
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup chopped yellow onion

Dairy and Cheese:

• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup grated dry/aged Cotija cheese (plus additional for garnish)

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• ¼ cup olive or vegetable oil
• 2 large garlic cloves, chopped
• ¼ teaspoon ancho chili powder
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1 teaspoon grated lime zest
• 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons chopped cilantro, divided

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Instructions

1. Ignite a large nonstick pot over medium-high heat, drizzling oil until it shimmers with anticipation. Introduce corn kernels, diced onions, chili powder, salt, and pepper, stirring enthusiastically to prevent sticking.
2. Sauté the mixture, allowing corn to caramelize and onions to soften, creating a golden landscape of flavors for approximately 8-10 minutes.
3. Introduce minced garlic, letting its aromatic essence permeate the mixture for about a minute. Carefully extract 1-1/2 cups of the corn medley, setting it aside for later embellishment.
4. Pour broth into the pot, accompanied by corn cobs, and vigorously scrape the fond from the bottom to release concentrated flavor essence. Bring the liquid to a rolling boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 20 minutes.
5. Extract and discard corn cobs using tongs, preparing the base for a silky transformation. Fold in sour cream and Cotija, creating a luxurious, creamy consistency.
6. Transfer the mixture to a blender, processing until achieving a velvety smooth texture. Work in batches if necessary to ensure optimal blending.
7. Return the pureed soup to the pot, gently reheating to serving temperature. Incorporate half of the reserved corn mixture, lime juice, and chopped cilantro.
8. Fine-tune the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, and chili powder to personal preference. Ladle into serving bowls, garnishing with remaining corn mixture, lime zest, fresh cilantro, and a sprinkle of Cotija cheese.

Notes

• Transform ordinary corn into a luxurious, creamy soup bursting with vibrant flavors and textures.
• Charring corn kernels intensifies their natural sweetness and adds a subtle smoky depth to the dish.
• Reserve some corn mixture before pureeing to create a delightful textural contrast in the final serving.
• Cotija cheese brings a salty, tangy element that perfectly complements the corn’s natural sweetness.
• Fresh lime juice and zest brighten the soup, cutting through the richness and adding a zesty pop of flavor.
• Blending the soup creates a silky smooth base that showcases the corn’s pure, concentrated essence.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 20mg